The COVID-19 vaccination of children aged six months to four years and five to eleven years is continuing in Cavan Monaghan.
COVID-19 vaccines are recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee for children aged 6 months to 4 years who have a health condition that puts them at high risk.
For all children in this age group, the recommendation of NIAC is that the benefits of vaccination are greater than the risks from the vaccine, meaning this age group can be offered the vaccine.
The benefits include avoiding getting COVID-19, and extra protection from the rare risks of serious illness from COVID-19.
Vaccinating children could also reduce transmission to others in the household, for example, those with a weak immune system.
Children who are vaccinated will be less likely to miss school and other activities because of COVID-19.
This age will need three doses of the vaccine for the best possible protection against COVID-19. The child will get their second dose three
weeks after the first dose, followed by a third dose eight weeks after the second dose.
COVID-19 vaccines are also strongly recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) for children aged 5 to 11 years who:
- have a health condition that puts them at high risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19
- live with a younger child or adult who is at risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19 e.g. another child with complex medical needs, or an
immunocompromised adult.
For all children in this age group, the recommendation of NIAC is that the benefits of vaccination are greater than the risks from the vaccine.
